COUNTY OF BUCKS

POSITION SUMMARY:

Responsibilities include safeguarding of life and property through the promotion of fire prevention programs, performing fire and life safety inspections of County-owned or operated buildings along with those properties assigned through the municipal inspection program, working with the operation of the County’s Juvenile Fire setter Intervention program, supervision of fire drills, investigation of fire causes, assisting in the mitigation of hazardous materials spills or incidents and preparation of required statistics and/or reports.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Maintains a 24/7 week-long “on-call” status during regularly scheduled assigned weeks that includes weekends and holidays being available to respond without delay and report “on-scene” at any fire location within 1.5-hours when called upon to investigate a fire or assist in a fire investigation.
• Investigates and makes a determination as to the origin and cause of all fires occurring within the confines of Bucks County, pursuant to the Act of 1955, PL 323, No. 30/1953. The only limitation of this grant of power is that these duties shall not conflict with the power of duties of Municipal Fire Marshals or State Police. Takes appropriate action when informed of serious injury or death as a result of fire, explosion, scalding or chemical incidents (appropriate action being investigation and/or consultation with the responsible local and/or state officials.) Prepares required reports of these investigations and ensures the information obtained there within is presented to the appropriate authorities in a timely manner. Proper authorities shall include, but not be limited to; Fire Chiefs, Fire Officials, State Police, Local Police, District Attorney's Office and Fire Marshal.
• When necessary causes to activate such Federal, State, County or Local Government agencies necessary to alleviate pain or distress of Bucks County residents as a result of fires or other emergencies and leave all related responsibilities to the particular agencies so notified.
• Inspects County-owned/operated properties for compliance with State and Local Fire and Building Codes; prepares reports of inspection results; and submits it to the Fire Marshal.
• Inspects properties within municipalities contracted with the County for compliance with State and Local Fire and Building Codes; prepares reports of inspection results; and submits it to the Fire Marshal, property owners and/or tenants, and municipality.
• Conducts and monitors fire drills in County buildings and institutions and makes recommendations for improvements and files appropriate records.
• Maintains liaison with the County Fire Companies, Fire Chiefs and Firefighter's Associations.
• Maintains a high level of awareness on regulations, resolutions, laws and ordinances relative to fire and life safety.
• Maintains a high level of awareness on matters relative to mitigation of natural and man-made disasters and the duties and responsibilities of his/her position as outlined in County Emergency Management Plan and its appendices. As directed, assists Fire Marshal and is prepared to act in his/her stead during such emergencies.
• Adheres to the policies, procedures and directives currently in force for personnel assigned to the Fire Marshal's Department and Emergency Services Division.
• While acting in his/her official capacity, an Assistant Fire Marshal maintains and wears his/her uniform in a manner befitting the Fire Marshal Department.
• Tools, equipment, appliances, safety clothing and vehicle assigned to Assistant Fire Marshal shall be maintained in a state of constant readiness. Required repairs or replacements of such items shall be promptly reported to the Fire Marshal. Utilization of such items shall be in a manner consistent with safety to self and other persons and property.
• Avails him/herself for training and/or instructions in the latest available technology concerning fire cause investigations, fire prevention, inspection procedures and the investigations and mitigation of hazardous materials incidents.
• Maintains a working relationship and provides assistance to the County Hazardous Materials Incidents Response Team at the scene of spills or incidents when requested.
• Provides all possible assistance to local fire officials in the creation and maintenance of programs designed to encourage fire prevention.
• Participates to the extent possible in all committees, forums, training sessions and advisory groups whose purpose is the reduction of deaths, injury and property destruction by fire or chemical reaction.
• Serves to support and maintain the full operation of the County’s Juvenile fire setter Intervention program.
• Other duties may be assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Any combination of experience and training that affords the applicant an opportunity to gain the above listed knowledge, skill and ability.

• Must have current certification as a Certified Fire Investigator (CFI) or Certified Fire Explosion Investigator (CFEI) thereof by furnishing appropriate documentation to the Chief Fire Marshal for review coupled with an intent to acquire said certification within six-months of hire.
• Must have current certification as a Fire Inspector I thereof by furnishing proper documentation and as deemed appropriate by the Chief Fire Marshal for review coupled with an intent to acquire said certification within six-months of hire.
• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Five years of service as an active career or volunteer Firefighter and/or equivalent fire related experience in an allied field such as Law Enforcement.
• Successful completion of Firefighter I and II courses as taught by an approved agency.
• Successful completion of fire / arson investigation courses through such as the National Fire Academy or Pennsylvania State Fire Academy courses of instruction.
• Must be physically capable to perform the above essential duties and responsibilities.
• Must have knowledge of computers, typing skills, software and ability to utilize such equipment to produce written reports and documentation of work-related events.
• Must possess knowledge of fire systems and how they operate.
• Ability to obtain Act 153 Clearance through the PA State Police and a Criminal History that is clear of convictions.
• Possess and maintain a valid driver's license.
• Extensive knowledge of firefighting organization, skills, techniques and equipment.
• Ability to develop and implement emergency plans.
• Ability to write and speak effectively.
• Ability to establish and maintain a working relationship with a broad spectrum of individuals, fire company personnel, public officials, school and hospital personnel and the public in general.

Job Details